Title: 30 Minutes' Difference

Author: Silver Blood

Disclaimer: See Chapter One

A/N: Thanks so much for all the positive feedback. I have to answer questions and stuff but this will be relatively painless so stick with me.

The Vote: The clear winners were Finn and Madeline. I think I got 1 vote for Jess and 2 for Louise. Everybody really loves Finn, which is great because I do too but I have to rewrite some stuff to go with the vote, so the next updates may be slower.

Also, Gracie had a question about Tristan and Rory. I want it to be clear to everyone that they are NOT together as of right now. Tristan and Rory are just good friends. They've never dated in the past, and though Rory thinks of Tristan strictly as a friend, he wants to be with her. Tristan danced with the other girl because that's just him. He's the same Tristan from the show. Lots of girlfriends and all that. He doesn't think he has a chance with Rory. It will be further explained in this chapter.

Most Importantly: If you like Finn, and you like this story, go to my profile and read The Problem With the Chase.

Chapter Three: I'm a Loser

Of all the love I have won or have lost
There is one love I should never have crossed
She was a girl in a million, my friend
I should have known she would win in the end

Tristan's loud laugh broke the silence of the room. Rory resented the easy amusement. She crossed her arms over her stomach and glared.

"This isn't funny."

He grinned at her .

"Stop it. This is stupid, I'm going back out."

Watching her walk toward the door, Tristan knew he had to do something to stop her before she left and his opportunity was gone.

"Are you scared of me?"

Rory stopped in her tracks, turning with murder on her face.

"That's not it! You know what it is, Tristan!"

He took a step forward and Rory's expression disappeared. She took a step backwards, looking nervous. She kept stepping backwards as he advanced until finally she hit the door.

For the first time, Rory's eyes swept the room. Tristan watched his best friend's reaction as she noticed the bookshelves, the incredibly expensive entertainment center, and finally...

"It's a bed, Rory. It's not a weapon."

Rory knew the blonde was experienced. But at his bland reaction to the bed, she found herself wondering if he was even a virgin anymore. She stared at the beautiful four-poster before her.

"Relax, Mary."

She blinked, her blue eyes clearing. She hadn't noticed Tristan move closer. He was barely a foot away.

"I'm not gonna force you to do anything, you know that."

Rory's gaze softened.

"I didn't think that. That's not the problem."

Tristan gently laid a hand on her hip, pulling her a little closer. She could feel its warmth seeping through her body.

"I know it's not, Ror. You've never been kissed, have you?"

Rory looked down at her feet as she blushed. She watched his feet slowly shuffle closer, knowing that if she looked up he would be right in front of her.

She could feel his breath on her cheek.

As she looked up, Tristan's heart started to race. He was within inches of kissing Rory Gilmore.

Her hair was brushing his cheek gently.

Bright blue eyes met his, but after a mere glance switched their gaze to his lips; they were full and soft-looking. She knew they'd taste as sweet as vanilla and as harsh as beer.

Tristan finally caught his breath.

"Do you want me to kiss you, Mary?"

She stuttered for a moment, shaking her head negatively.

Their eyes locked, crystal and ice.

"Yes."

Damn, she never could lie to Tristan.

"Good."

His voice was lower.

"Because I want to kiss you."

His lips were slow to descend to hers.

When they finally touched, their lips brushed softly. It was merely another connection Rory could add to the plethora she already shared with Tristan.

He let out a deep moan, as if he couldn't stop himself from releasing it. He placed both hands on her hips and pulled her closer, brushing her lips again, as gently as before.

"Tristan..."

Beyond his name, she was speechless.

Rory Gilmore was never speechless.

Tristan wrapped his arms around the brunette's waist and their bodies pressed close.

"Let me kiss you. Let me really kiss you, Rory."

Before she could respond, his mouth was moving against hers, coaxing her lips open. Rory lost herself in the tenderness of his kiss. Only when she felt her knees against the edge of the bed did she realize they'd turned and walked themselves backwards.

He laid her back slowly, taking his place beside her and returning to his earlier task of kissing her. His tongue lightly caressed her open lips, sending tingles from her jaw to her toes. Finally, he let himself enter her mouth.

She felt his tongue touch hers and knew a small whimper escaped. Her hands finally moved from his waist, twisting themselves in his hair. Sliding her tongue against his experimentally, his short, frustrated moan told her she'd done something right.

Rory noticed Tristan's hand move from her hip.

She ignored it when it crept across her stomach, lightly skimming the soft skin there.

When it flattened itself against her rib-cage, she sighed contentedly.

But when it found her belt buckle, she began to panic.

Rory's belt was halfway undone before Tristan realized she was trying to push him away.

"Stop!"

Tristan stiffened instantly and pulled away. He didn't offer an apology, though he knew she deserved one.

"What was that?"

Tristan looked over to his best friend.

His Mary.

Her lips were swollen and her eyes were wide and confused.

She really had no idea how intense his feelings for her were.

Fury, stemming from what he already knew, took over his guilt, and he turned it on her.

"Lighten up, Mary. I just thought I'd try."

Rory's eyes widened and she didn't look so confused anymore. Just incredulous... and maybe a little pissed off.

"You 'just thought you'd try'? Where the hell did that come from? Since when has our relationship been anything like that, Tristan? You've never treated me like you treat those other girls."

He wanted to apologize. He wanted to hold her close and tell her she meant more than all of those girls put together.

But he was furious that she refused to even mention the fact that the kiss had been amazing.

Or that she'd known at least somewhat where it was leading once his hand touched her bare skin.

"I'm sorry if I'm not used to a girl saying no. I stopped, didn't I?"

Rory's face flushed with anger.

"You never should have started! It was supposed to be a kiss between friends!"

The silence that fell was both complete and unbearable. After a full minute, Tristan spoke calmly, his voice barely wavering with the anger he was radiating.

"You know, I can't decide right now whether you're really a prude like everyone says or just a fucking tease."

Rory's jaw clenched and tears filled her eyes. Through her blurred vision Rory couldn't see the look of obvious regret on her best friend's face as the instant realization of the weight of his words hit him.

Tristan knew that he'd crossed the line.

He knew that he had aimed way below the belt.

He knew she probably would never forgive him.

Facing the wall for a moment, he took a deep breath.

"Shit, Rory. I'm -"

He hadn't even heard the door open, but she was gone.

REVIEW!